Unacceptable working at height practice put workers at risk

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard that during an inspection on 23 May 2018 at Dudley House, The Grove, Hounslow, a number of issues in relation to working at height were identified. These included several unprotected edges, where a person could fall a significant distance and also a floor that was being removed by a handheld breaker whilst workers were standing on it. No measures were in place to prevent them falling if the floor collapsed.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the risk assessment identified measures that needed to be implemented. These measures were not implemented and therefore created a significant risk of people falling, and causing serious or fatal injury.

STS Constructions Limited of North London Business Park, London, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005and was fined £26,666 and ordered to pay costs of £1135.10 plus a victim surcharge of £120.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Matthew Whitaker said: “Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well known. Work at height is dangerous and should be planned correctly and the required measures implemented”.